Bilbao will surprise you in the best way. It is the capital of Biscay and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Basque Country. Beyond the Guggenheim Museum, you will be captivated by all the things to do in Bilbao Spain. Combining Basque tradition with new trends, Bilbao has reinvented itself over time to become a city of culture, art and gastronomy.
Discover Bilbao and its northern charm.
Things to do in Bilbao Spain
Bilbao Old Town or Las Siete Calles (The Seven Streets)
The Casco Viejo (Old Town), or Las Siete Calles (The Seven Streets), is one of the best-known corners of Bilbao, and its easy to see why. It is one of the busiest areas of Bilbao and a place to get lost and discover its vibrancy as the day progresses. The Casco Viejo, the heart of the city, the urban nucleus of the original town of Bilbao, perfectly conveys the way of life of its people.
Plaza Nueva
In the heart of the Casco Viejo is the Plaza Nueva, without a doubt the social centre of the city. Plaza Nueva is also the main meeting point in Bilbao and one of the best places to try some of Bilbao’s pintxos.
Built in 1815 in a neoclassical style, this square has maintained its original structure and has become the main stage for the celebrations of the people of Bilbao. The Plaza Nueva has five entrances and is made up of 18 semicircular arches with attached columns.
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Guggenheim Museum, the must-see museum in Bilbao
Many claim that the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao has completely transformed the city. It is undeniable that since its inauguration Bilbao has been recognised all over the world and has radically renewed its image. It is one of the most important places of interest to see in the city, making it one of Bilbao’s most iconic symbols.
In addition to the spectacular nature of the building, its surroundings are also beautiful. Surrounded by promenades, green spaces and squares, the museum is home to works by artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Eduardo Chillida, Yves Klein, Jeff Koons and Fujiko Nakaya.
The museum also serves as a popular meeting place where you can relax, listen to live music or play sports.
Bilbao Estuary
La Ría de Bilbao (the estuary) stands out in its landscape. It can also serve as a reference point to help you find your way around the city as it is a key spot. A walk along the estuary and its bridges is one of the essential things to do in Bilbao Spain. What’s more, La Ría also guides you to the Casco Viejo.
Zubizuri Bridge
The Zubizuri has become an icon of the city, and is an essential stop on your trip to Bilbao. It is also known as the “Calatrava bridge” as its architect has been the talk of the town since its inauguration. It is an arched structure that is reminiscent of a sailboat and stands ten metres above the estuary.
Moreover, this bridge is the point where Uribarte meets Campo Volantín and, despite the controversy it has caused, it is one of the most representative symbols of the city.
The Arriaga Theatre
The Arriaga Theatre is a surprisingly beautiful building that you must see in Bilbao. Inspired by the Paris Opera House, this building was designed by the municipal architect Joaquín Rucoba and was inaugurated in 1890. Nowadays this theatre continuously hosts the most important plays and music events in Bilbao.
Santiago Cathedral in Bilbao
Bilbao Cathedral is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city and a must-see in Bilbao. This cathedral was built in the 15th century in Gothic style, although its tower and façade are considered neo-Gothic. The small Gothic cloister inside the cathedral stands out for its beauty, along with the Puerta del Ángel (Angel’s Gate) and its tower.
Mercado de la Ribera, the must-see market in Bilbao
The Mercado de La Ribera has managed to maintain its essence despite the passage of time and the modernisation of the city. Its main attraction is its products, all of which are of traditional quality and freshness and very varied. This market reveived a Guinness World Record for the most complete Municipal Food Market in 1990, being at that time the largest covered market in Europe.
If you are a food-loving traveller, here you will find everything you are looking for and much more. From vegetables from Biscay’s market gardens, freshly caught fish, meats, and an endless list of delicacies that you can’t miss during your stay in Bilbao.
Artxanda Viewpoint
Artxanda is one of the many mountains that surround Bilbao, and is currently one of the most popular leisure areas in the city. It is one of the most iconic areas of Bilbao where you can enjoy the best views while trying some of the typical recipes of the area. Visiting this part of the city has become one of the most popular things to do in Bilbao Spain.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do in and around Bilbao Spain
Meñakoz Beach Barrika
This is the ideal beach for those looking for intimate and quiet spaces. The wild beach of Meñakoz is in Barrika and located near Sopelana. It is a 400 metre long nudist beach. This sandy and rocky beach is also very popular with surfers. It is a beautiful northern landscape to see in Bilbao.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
On a small rocky peninsula that gradually slopes into the sea, located between the towns of Bermeo and Bakio, the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe dominates the landscape. A beautiful path leads from Eneperi, which after crossing a picturesque bridge with 3 arches gives way to the 241 steps leading up to the hermitage.
The first section of the route has a viewpoint with a beautiful panoramic view of the hermitage. Legend has it, if you ring the hermitage bell three times you will attract good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Things to do in Bilbao Spain in one day?
With one day in Bilbao you can get to know the Basque atmosphere of this city and discover the most important spots. Here is a one-day itinerary of the best things to do in Bilbao Spain so so you can make the most of your trip.
Day 1:
- Bilbao Old Town
- Guggenheim Museum
- Bilbao Estuary
- Zubizuri Bridge
- Arriaga Theatre
- Santiago Cathedral in Bilbao
- La Ribera Market
- Artxanda Viewpoint
Things to do in Bilbao Spain in two days?
With two days in Bilbao you will be able to discover some of the most remote yet breathtaking corners of the city. You can’t travel to Bilbao without visiting the incredible landscape of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe or some of its stunning wild beaches such as Meñakoz Barrika beach.
Tips for your trip to Bilbao
- Bilbao, San Sebastian and the rest of the Basque Country are generally very safe areas to visit.
- The Basque Country is an important surfing region and many beaches have dangerous currents and big waves.
- It is best to swim in the designated areas and obey the instructions of the lifeguards.
- Plan your Bilbao itinerary with the Passporter App. Discover the magic of having your travel route organised on your mobile.
How to organise the things to do on your trip to Bilbao Spain?
If you are a traveller who likes to get organised before leaving home and you are not sure how to plan your trip, Passporter has several options for you. Download the app and discover all its useful features!
You’ll find a wide variety of ideas and inspiration on things to do in Bilbao Spain, and you can also use this post as a reference and combine it with the app’s suggestions. Create the perfect travel itinerary with Passporter!
If you have any doubts about how to use the app, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently Asked Questions about a trip to Bilbao
Bilbao can be reached by car, plane, bus or train. It is one of the best connected cities in the Basque Country, so you will find it very easy to get to this city. The cheapest option is to travel to Bilbao by bus. The fastest way to get to Bilbao is by plane. Bilbao airport connects the capital of Biscay with national and international destinations.
Although Bilbao is a large city, it has a public transport network that connects every corner of the city. You will find city buses, the metro, the tram and the Euskotren, which has stops all over the city and connects other towns in the area with the capital of Biscay.
Bilbao is known for its high quality pintxos which you can find in every bar, café and restaurant. Typical in every part of the Basque Country is the Pintxo-Pote, which consists of pintxo + drink. You will find this offer in the different neighbourhoods of Bilbao on different days of the week. Here is a selection of some of the best pintxo bars/restaurants in the city.
– Gaztandegi Berria
– Ziripot
– Café Iruña
– Con B de Bilbao
– Bar Charly
– Gure-Toki
– Rio-Oja
– Bar Baviera
– Izaro
The best area to stay in Bilbao is in the centre. As it is not a large city, it is easy to visit on foot. Its centre extends through the Ensanche neighbourhoods, the Casco Viejo, and the streets immediately on the banks of the estuary in areas such as Deusto and Uribarri. Here is a selection of some of the best-rated hotels in the centre of Bilbao.
– Hotel Silken Indautxu
– Hotel Abando
– Vincci Consulado de Bilbao
– Hotel Ilunion Bilbao
– Hotel Bilbao Plaza
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